Erie Auto Show opens Thursday at Bayfront Convention Center

Jim Eller, with Porreco Nissan, puts up a display sign on Jan. 30, as he helps get ready for the Erie Auto Show to be held at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie Jan. 31 through Feb. 3. GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS

Erie Auto Show

A National Automobile Dealers Association economist recently estimated more than 15.4 million new vehicles will be purchased or leased nationally this year.

That robust prediction represents an increase of 1 million vehicles over 2012.

Erie-area consumers can sample some of the newest models, neatest gadgets and latest technology when the Automobile Association of Erie Auto Show opens today at noon at the Bayfront Convention Center.

The show runs through Sunday.

Twenty-seven Erie County dealerships and about two dozen vendors specializing in auto accessories are expected to attend.

About 170 vehicles, including electric models, will be on display during the four-day show, which attracted 12,500 visitors in 2012.

"The public really enjoys seeing all the different models,'' show organizer Mark Concilla, of Erie Promotions, said.

"They can shop and compare. Everybody can come and see all the latest models under one roof. They can get in the vehicles and check them out to plan their purchases.''

Matt Clark, president of the Erie County Automobile Dealers Association, added: "It's a good reason to get out of the house. ... Everybody loves to look at shiny new cars.''

And, according to industry analysts, more consumers nationally are expected to be buying or leasing instead of just looking at new rides this year.

Clark said the auto industry has begun to rebound in the last two years from the recession.

"Every manufacturer's product line has been revamped and redone in design over the last two years,'' Clark said.

Sales of new vehicles in Pennsylvania in 2012 increased 9.2 percent over 2011, said Clark, who also serves as director of the Pennsylvania Auto Association.

"New car sales have been rising over the last year and a half, and there has been a noticeable uptick in consumer confidence,'' Clark said.

Several factors supporting stronger national auto sales this year are demand, low-interest rates for auto loans, more new vehicle choices and designs, declining unemployment and greater consumer confidence, according to NADA.

"Credit is much more available now than during the recession,'' Clark said. "You have low-interest rates and more availability of credit. Lenders are getting more aggressive in the marketplace. Approval rates have increased dramatically. That's been rising the last two years.''

Clark said automakers are expected to unveil many new models with greater consumer appeal in design and fuel efficiency.

Of the 170 vehicles scheduled to appear at the Erie show, about two dozen will be muscle cars, hot rods and antique cars.

"That's always a showstopper for us,'' Concilla said. "When people walk through the door, it's the first thing they see.''

There also will be motorcycle displays.

A new show attraction is a NASCAR race car, sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, and a NASCAR simulator, Concilla said.

"That's a draw with the kids,'' Clark said. "We focus on showcasing the new cars, but we also want to make the show fun and interactive. It's an event-based show, not just a car show.''

Clark, vice president and general manager at Humes Chrysler in Waterford Township, said each dealer will have several vehicles on display. All will have sales representatives available to answer questions.

"At some of the bigger shows, the cars are roped off, and you don't get near them,'' Clark said. "We don't want that. We have all the vehicles open, so the consumers can climb in and ask questions. Ours is not an image show.''